Quote:
Originally Posted by rickst29
Mounting in the 2619 would be a bit awkward - the cheap PWM sits outside, but the expensive MPPT would need to be inside (Maybe along the "front" wall of the fixed-size Trailer Box, next to the collapsing dinette.)
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I also went with an MPPT Controller on our 2619 for many of the same reasons (weight, space on the roof, etc.). When camping with HarveyRV a few years ago with identical panels and identical sun conditions, and close to identical batteries/charge state, I was getting about 20% more amps to the batteries than he did with his regular controller.
Amortize the cost difference between a regular controller and an MPPT controller (that as you mention often have other beneficial features besides just the MPPT function) over 20 years (50 nights/year) and it works out to a couple of pennies a night (and that's with RS232 interface for custom programming the controller, LCD display and battery temp sensor). I already have two 80 watt panels...the roof doesn't have the space for another panel and I didn't want to add any more weight.
I figure if I nail the back-in into the site on the first attempt, the savings in gas pays for the MPPT controller.
As far as mounting, I mounted mine inside the dinette storage next to the water tank. I used liquid nails to attach a piece of plywood to the paneling on the inside and then mounted the controller to the plywood.
Pictures here:
here